STAT+: Eli Lilly tops prominent rankings on pharma R&D performance

STAT PlusPharma Eli Lilly tops prominent rankings on pharma R&D performance Report by UKlooks at progress on ‘innovation’ and ‘invention’ Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Allison DeAngelis and Matthew HerperMay 19, 2026 Allison DeAngelis[email protected]Allison covers what hot startups are getting up to, and who’s financing them. She is also co-host of the weekly biotech podcast, “The Readout Loud.” You can reach Allison on Signal at AllisonDeAngelis.01.Matthew Herper[email protected]Matthew Herper covers medical innovation — both its promise and its perils. Here’s one more sign of Eli Lilly’s dominance in the drug industry: It took both top spots in a prominent ranking of pharmaceutical innovators and investors. The index, produced by U.K.-based IDEA Pharma, ranks drug company laboratories on two different sets of criteria: innovation, which takes into account revenue from new products, new drug approvals, and major drug development events; and invention, which looks at the number of drugs a company has in development, its clinical trials, and its R&D investment, among other factors. IDEA is part of SAI MedPartners, a larger consultancy. Advertisement This is the first time that one company — in this case, Lilly — has ranked No. 1 in both categories. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the pharma industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, drug development, Pharmaceuticals, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Allison DeAngelis Biotech Startups and Venture Capital Reporter Allison covers what hot startups are getting up to, and who’s financing them. She is also co-host of the weekly biotech podcast, “The Readout Loud.” You can reach Allison on Signal at AllisonDeAngelis.01. Matthew Herper Senior Writer, Medicine, Editorial Director of Events Matthew Herper covers medical innovation — both its promise and its perils. Newsletter Your morning rundown of the science, politics, and money driving biotech today Recommended Morning Rounds May 19, 2026 The latest on Ebola: A travel ban and an old vaccine First Opinion May 19, 2026 I’m a heart transplant recipient. I’m haunted by ‘ghost approval’ for medication I need to survive Advertisement First Opinion May 19, 2026 Britain embraces a Massachusetts experiment on tobacco regulation — just as the state might roll it back The Deadliest Drug May 19, 2026 STAT Plus: 1 in 8 women drink during pregnancy. Experts dread the consequences Pharmalot May 18, 2026 STAT Plus: Maryland state affordability board places a price cap on Ozempic Subscriber Picks